New York Congressman Sean Patrick
Maloney on Saturday married his partner of 22 years, Randy Gene
Florke.

Maloney, New York's first openly gay
member of Congress, and Florke married in a ceremony Saturday in Cold
Springs, New York.

Presiding over the ceremony was Rev.
Fr. Sane Scott-Hamblen of the Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands.

Florke proposed marriage on Christmas
morning.

The couple, who are raising two
daughters – Essie and Daley – and a son, Jesus, had previously
pledged not to marry until the federal government recognized the
marriages of gay and lesbian couples, which it now does.

“Even after 22 years together, we're
overwhelmed by how blessed we feel to celebrate this special day with
our friends and family,” the couple said in a statement. “With
our three kids by our side, this couldn't have been a more perfect
day. Thank you to all our friends near and far for their love and
support as we continue to fight to ensure all families can experience
the joy of a lifetime commitment.”

Maloney previously told
BuzzFeed that their children pushed them to marry.

“In the eyes of young children, it
matters that you're married,” Maloney said. “It means something
to them, and so we saw that through their eyes.”

Essie, the youngest daughter, wrote to
Santa asking to marry her two dads.

Florke proposed by giving Maloney a
suitcase for Christmas.

Florke said he told his husband-to-be:
“It's a suitcase, but it comes with a proposal: I want to know if
you will travel with me forever and marry me.”

Former Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank
was the first member of Congress to enter a same-sex marriage while
in office. Openly gay Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan is also married.